Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment that dates back to 100 BC, and it has been used to treat a variety of ailments from asthma to menstrual cramps. It is a powerful treatment, and has been known to change people’s lives – especially those who live with oppressive chronic pain.
How Does It Work?
Acupuncture is the process of inserting needles as thin as a piece of hair into certain parts of the body, or acupuncture points. According to Chinese medicine, when these acupuncture points are stimulated, it corrects imbalances and improves the flow of the body’s qi (“chee”). Qi is the body’s energy and life force. When qi is restored, the body is able to protect itself and function normally. When qi is blocked, negative physical symptoms begin to manifest.
The mechanism of acupuncture is not well understood according to Western modern medicine, but it is hypothesized that the stimulation of these points sends signals to the brain to release neurotransmitters and hormones that can create a sense of wellbeing and ease pain. Both of these explanations can account for why those with chronic pain often find great relief at the hands of their acupuncturist.
An Answer for Chronic Pain
Living with chronic pain can often feel like a waking nightmare. Whether the pain is the result of back problems, fibromyalgia, arthritis, or headaches, it can quickly begin controlling your life. It can be extremely frustrating for those living with a condition that causes chronic pain, because doctors often do not have a solution besides dangerous addictive narcotics or risky surgeries. This is why many have turned to acupuncture for relief. Acupuncture in St. Petersburg is non-invasive, relatively painless, and has been shown to provide long-lasting chronic pain relief.
Scientific Proof
The Western world has long been obsessed with understanding why so many people swear by acupuncture as a pain reliever. The process has withstood the test of time, and is still what many people turn to when modern medicine has failed them. It is not surprising to learn, then, that there have been many scientific studies conducted with the aim of finding out if acupuncture truly has a scientifically proven effect on pain.
One of the largest studies ever conducted on the subject, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, evaluated 29 studies and nearly 18,000 participants to decipher whether acupuncture truly provided relief for those with chronic pain. The study found that, when compared to those who did not receive acupuncture and those who received fake acupuncture, the people who received the real acupuncture achieved significantly greater pain relief.
If you are in chronic pain and feel skeptical about whether acupuncture can help you, there is no harm in giving it a try. It is virtually without risk, and you might soon find yourself feeling better – and living with less pain. Schedule an appointment with one of our doctors online here.